Ways To Stay Safe As A Pedestrian

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Unfortunately, thousands of pedestrians are killed in the US every year in vehicle accidents. Thankfully, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe and reduce the risk of serious injury or death.

Educate Yourself

In order to protect yourself when walking near roadways, you must first be aware of the danger, learn the area where you will be walking and know what to do in the event that you are struck by a vehicle. Accepting that you are exposed when you walk near moving cars or cross streets and that accidents can and do happen will allow you to become more aware of your actions and the steps you need to take to stay safe. It’s also important to get to know the area where you will be walking, especially if you are unfamiliar with it. Having your route planned out ahead of time will mean you are spending less time trying to figure out where you’re going and more time focusing on your safety. Though your main goal is to avoid an accident it’s also important to know what to do in case you are the victim of an accident. First and foremost, you will want to make sure you call 911 or get someone else to do so, if you are able. It’s important to remain calm and try not to panic. If you are struck by a vehicle you may also need a pedestrian lawyer. A pedestrian lawyer can help you with any legal issues and make sure you are fairly compensated. This is an important step because you will likely have medical expenses so a lawyer can be very beneficial.

Practice Basic Safety

Practicing basic safety as a pedestrian is the best way to protect yourself. Staying on the sidewalk, within crosswalks and other areas destined for pedestrians is very important for remaining safe. Another way to stay safe is to be visible at all times. Wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing is a great way to stay visible, especially at night and when it’s dark you should always carry a flashlight, both so you can see where you’re going and so drivers can see you. You should never assume that a driver can see you, always wait until a vehicle has come to a complete stop and make eye contact with the driver so that you can be sure they have seen you before crossing the street in front of them. Always make sure you follow the rules of the road, including those designated for pedestrians like crosswalk signs. Always be aware of your surroundings and don’t allow things or people to take your attention away from where you are going and what you are doing.

Walking as a pedestrian can be quite dangerous but it is often the most convenient way to travel. It is also better for the environment and it can be a very fun and pleasant experience. You can also have peace of mind that you are safe while walking as a pedestrian.